[akg_67]

The study measures the pH over 48 hour period near the entrance of stomach. This helps determine the frequency and strength of acid reflux into esophagus from stomach to assess the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Typically, capsule is placed in esophagus during the endoscopy.

Based on my readings before the procedure, in my opinion, BRAVO capsule technique is currently the most advanced, accurate,and convenient method compared to previously used methods such as stents/catheter.

More info http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/esophageal_ph_test/hi...

I am not sure what do you mean by eliminating the study. How else are you going to measure the pH to detect acid reflux in esophagus.

[Mz]

Thank you for replying. I am trying to understand what benefit there is to studying the frequency and strength. How is that information used? What good does it do you to know?

I am sorry if I sound obtuse. I am genuinely trying to understand this. I have a serious medical condition which causes extreme acidification. Reversing the acidity has reversed a lot of my symptoms. I did not need a fancy test to do that. So I am trying to understand ... why people do this sort of thing, I guess. It makes no sense to me but what I do makes no sense to other people. I don't know how to cross that communication gap right now. I am trying to figure it out.

[akg_67]

The study helps figure out the severity and seriousness of the problem. There are wide range of treatments, from lifestyle changes to extended treatment with drugs, maintenance drugs and surgery. There is no one treatment that applies to everyone and study helps make a much better informed decision about treatment options. Too much acid reflux can result in lining deterioration, perforation or even cancer in esophagus. Based on study results, doctors can recommend the checkup frequency for esophagus too.

Hope this helps clarify why such studies are performed. I look at such studies as data-driven decision making.

[Mz]

Thank you for your patience. I am not sure it helps because I think what I do is data driven but it comes from another direction. I am not sure I understand any better or know what I need to be asking, really.